88 Weighted Keys, Sweet Pianos and Vintage EPs

What makes the Korg SP-280 digital stage piano so great for gigging? It's not just the realistic, responsive grand piano sound, the handful of vintage EPs, or the Natural Weighted Hammer Action keyboard, but the fact that you can quickly set up, tear down, and carry this less-than-42-pound (including the stand), portable piano all by yourself. The super-simple-to-use SP-280 is an instrument equally worthy of keeping at home for practicing or giving lessons. You won't have to scroll through menus or go through a crazy list of effects to get the sound you want -- just sit down and play!

Learn more about the SP-280 with this video from Korg:

The 88-key piano's built-in speaker system ensures that you get stellar room-filling sound, while its dual headphone outputs provide a way to practice quietly with a teacher or friend, for all those times when you'd rather not broadcast your performance to the world. Korg's SP-280 is an excellent choice for any player wanting an affordable, extremely portable yet solidly built digital piano capable of sounding like a real concert grand.

Dynamic Performances, from Pianissimo to Triple Forte

The SP-280 switches between piano multisamples according to how loud or soft you play, providing an expressive, acoustic-like playing feel across the entire dynamic range. Whether you're playing ppp or fff, the piano will deliver a realistic response to your performance. Its "Grand Piano" sound, for example, reproduces the damper resonance that is heard when you press the damper pedal of a grand piano, making the SP-280 sound like a convincing acoustic piano.

Electrify Your Grand Piano Experience

During live performances, the SP-280's vintage electric piano sounds rule the stage. Six kinds of EPs are available, covering the sounds typically heard in '60s and '70s pop, soul music, and more. All of the electric piano sounds are period-accurate and able to reproduce not only the way in which the tone responds to your touch, but also the subtle noises that occur when you release a key.

In addition to acoustic and electric piano sounds, the SP-280 offers the sounds of organs, clavs, harpsichord, strings, and more. A total of 30 are available, giving you more than enough options to suit the music at hand.

Good Things Come in Twos

Layer mode allows you to play two sounds together, and Partner Mode divides the keyboard into left and right regions so that two players can play the same range of pitches. Two headphone jacks let two people play the SP-280 together.

Useable FX

The Korg SP-280 gives you the effects that you really need: brilliance, which adjusts the brightness of the tone; reverb, which simulates the natural ambience (reverberation) of a concert hall; and chorus, which adds spaciousness and depth.

Powerful On-Board Speakers

With the SP-280's onboard speakers delivering 2 x 22 Watts of output power, the SP-280 is perfect for practicing out loud at home without setting up monitors or an amp.

Express Yourself on the Natural Weighted Hammer Action Keyboard

The feel of the piano's Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keyboard will remind you of an acoustic piano, for sure. The graded NH keyboard provides the same playing feel as on an acoustic piano, with heavier action in the lower register and a lighter response as you play upward into the higher register. Thanks to the Key Touch Control function, you have three levels of adjustment to specify how your playing dynamics will affect the output, letting you customize your performance to suit your own playing touch.

Designed to Be Taken on the Go

Korg's SP-280 weighs in at under 42 pounds, making it really easy to transport from studio to stage and back. For a tip-free performance, it comes with a sturdy metal stand. Unlike those cheap X-stands, the SP-280's four-legged stand won't get in the way of your knees.

MIDI and Audio I/O

Take advantage of Line in and out: connect your audio player to the SP-280's Line In jack (stereo mini-jack), and listen to it through the SP-280's speakers while you play along. Stereo line out jacks make it easy to connect the SP-280 to your keyboard amp or a PA. Convenient MIDI capability means that you can use the SP-280 as a 16-part multitimbral sound module.

Korg Sustain Pedal Included

Your SP-280 comes with an included sustain pedal with half-damper support, in which you can vary the damper effect by how far you press the pedal. If you connect the PU-2 pedal unit (optional), you can also use soft and sostenuto pedals in addition to the damper pedal for a full three pedals.

If you have additional warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer at 631-390-6800

Korg SP-280 Digital Piano with Stand

Piano players of all levels appreciate playing an instrument that faithfully reproduces the sound and feel of Concert grand piano. Korg's SP-280 offers that experience in a beautifully-designed digital piano that's ideal for your home or as a partner on stage.

Rich Piano Sounds that You'll Enjoy Playing

The SP-280 provides a playing feel that's incredibly close to that of an acoustic piano by switching between four piano samples according to the dynamics of your performance. From delicate pianissimo to dynamic fortissimo, the sound will respond realistically to how you play. In particular, the "Grand Piano" sound reproduces the damper resonance that is heard when you press the damper pedal of an acoustic piano, heightening your experience of the overall piano sound and making it even more enjoyable to play.

Authentic vintage electric piano sounds, perfect for live performance

Special attention has been paid to the high-quality electric piano sounds, which are period-accurate and highly satisfying. The standard electric piano sounds reproduce not only the way in which the tone responds to your touch, but also the subtle noises that occur when you release a key. Six varieties are provided, covering the sounds widely used in the pop music of the '60s and '70s, as well as the tones valued in soul music.

30 high-quality sounds

Including the acoustic and electric piano sounds, the SP-280 contains 30 richly expressive and high-quality sounds, including organs, clavs, harpsichord, strings, and more. There's also a Layer Mode that lets you play two sounds together, and a Partner Mode that divides the keyboard into left and right regions so that two people can play the same range of pitches. Two headphone jacks make it convenient for two people to enjoy playing the SP-280 together.

Three effects

There are three effects: brilliance adjusts the brightness of the tone, reverb simulates the natural ambience (reverberation) of a concert hall, and chorus adds spaciousness.

Hight Output Amplifier Section

The SP-280 features two onboard amplifiers that deliver 2 x 22 Watts of output power; the highest in its class. Delivering ample richness, deep lows and sparkling highs, the SP-280's amplifiers make the expressive piano tones sound even better. Since the speakers are capable of producing high volume, they can provide plenty of power for a small live event without requiring a PA system to be connected.

Stylish design

In the spirit of Korg's SP-250 digital piano, which was highly acclaimed for its distinctive design, the SP-280 achieves an even more stylish appearance. Its modern, curvilinear aesthetic will match any decor, and attention has also been paid to the design of the instrument's back side, so that it will also look good on stage. This design eliminates the fixed idea that a piano should be played with its back to the wall, giving you the freedom to place your instrument wherever you like. You also have a choice of color black or white to best suit the atmosphere of your room.

Natural Weighted Hammer Action Keyboard

The Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keyboard provides the same playing feel as on an acoustic piano, with heavier action in the lower register and a lighter response as you play upward into the higher register, and allowing the nuances of your playing to be faithfully expressed by the sound. The Key Touch Control function gives you three levels of adjustment to specify how your playing dynamics will affect the output, letting you enjoy performing in a way that suits your own playing touch.

Lightweight design makes transportation easy

Because the SP-280 is designed to be placed anywhere you like, it was built with portability in mind. Including the stand, it weighs less than 42 lbs (a reduction of approximately 30% compared to the SP-250 that preceded it). A sturdy metal stand is included. Setup is easy, and leaves the floor uncluttered.

Line In and Out

You can connect a portable audio player or similar device to the LINE IN jack (stereo mini-jack) and listen to it through the SP-280's speakers while you play along, offering a convenient and simple setup for live performance. You can also use the LINE OUT jacks (phone jacks) to connect amplified speakers or a recording device.

Metronome

The built-in metronome lets you adjust the time signature, tempo, and volume. It also lets you use a bell sound as the accent.

Touch Control function

Choose one of three settings that specify how the sound will respond to your playing dynamics.

Pedal effects

The included damper pedal will function as a half-damper pedal, allowing you to vary the damper effect by how far you press the pedal. If an optional pedal unit (PU-2) is connected, you'll also be able to use soft and sostenuto pedals in addition to the damper pedal. This gives you three pedals just as on an acoustic piano, and is recommended for the serious piano student or performer.

MIDI capability

The SP-280 supports MIDI, the unified standard for transferring performance data between electronic musical instruments and computers. MIDI allows connected devices to control each other, and lets you use the SP-280 as a 16-part multi-timbral sound module.

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Korg SP-280"

Sound:
Wow! There are 6 piano sounds and I use 3 interchangeably depending on the level of brightness. The electric piano sounds are the best part of the SP-280's bank. I do not care too much for the organ sounds, though there are some chunky cathedral sounds. The SP-280 has an excellent vibraphone, and the guitar sound is fun. The voice and strings sounds are not my favorite, but there is one bank on each that is alright.
Feature:
Splitting the keyboard for lessons and duets is interesting. My only big argument against this digital piano is the velocity sensitivity. I struggled for days with sending this piano back, because there is an odd characteristic that I have never noticed in any other digital pianos. No matter how soft I strike the key, a clear note rings out. Sure, it's quiet, but it frustrated me for days as i tried to get an answer. When I finally talked to the people at Korg, they informed me that every instrument with the RH3 keyboard does this. After jamming with friends, i realize that this is not a huge deal, and i have begun a quest to wear this piano in real good to see if this helps. After playing it a bunch, there still is no way to press a key down without some sound being produced, but i am getting used to it and it doesn't ruin even how I play even the 'Moonlight Sonata'. So, I would recommend you play one to see how it feels before you take the plunge. Other than that, the features do exactly what the description states. Having stereo out and MIDI in/out makes this piano very doable as a live performance instrument as well as a recording device with great piano-like response. I had the SP-280 running through my MAC into a PA as well as straight into the PA so that i could record the MIDI signals as well as the sounds coming out in the room.
Ease of Use:
It does what the description says, and the owner's manual is accurate.
Quality:
Solid. The stand is a lot more solid in person than it looks in the pictures. I really liked how the SP-250's stand attached to the pedal, and I thought I'd be unimpressed by the 280's stand, but the legs are screw-in and go right into the frame. SOLID. I was having a little wobble, and I just unscrewed the leg a 1/4 inch, and the wobble was gone.
Value:
In all honesty, this this sounds and feels more like a grand piano than any other digital piano I have ever played (2 doz?). The fact that this thing can be broken-down in less than 10 minutes, fits into a bag and can be driven to a friend's house and reassembled in less than 10 minutes makes it a practical, functional digital piano. For the price, there is NOT another option. I'd even put this Korg up against similar DP's that cost a little more.
Manufacturer Support:
Korg was very honest and helpful about the dynamic range issue I was dealing with. I find it slightly strange that their phone-in support is M-F 1-5 EDT, but i got right through and got the answers i was looking for.
The Wow Factor:
Play one. WOW! I found Piano1 (bank 2) to be the deepest, richest grand piano sound. The EPiano1 (banks 1&3) are AWESOME!
Overall:
This bad boy sounds GREAT! The action is the most-realistic piano feel I have played. Good, clean and loud on-board speakers. Solid stand.

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Really enjoying this piano- actually purchased it without trying it out."

Sound:
It is very natural- I usually just turn it on and play it- sometimes I put the reverb off
the second piano is more mellow by default- closes to program C01 Classic of the Korg Sg series. Piano 3 is a jazz like piano, Piano 4 is called live and punchier.
Rhodes are nice, one has a nice tremolo effect
Feature:
The simplicity of it is the best. If I am in the mood I play the Krome, other times this. The NH action is an improved version than of the SP170x series.
Ease of Use:
I like it is just turn on and play- can do reverb on/off 3 levels, brilliiance on/off
Quality:
It looks nice and is sturdy- almost like a modern day Atari 2600 with the led, round volume dial etc.
Value:
Yes, 1. Speakers 2. Tone
Manufacturer Support:
I haven't dealt with them in all the years I sued them
The Wow Factor:
Wow factor: 1. The Speakers 2. The piano sound is natural- Casio uses steinway samples as well but has a little electonic tinge to it
Overall:
I have been playing 33 + years. Korg piano's from the SG Pro Rack have always been my favorite. I think this piano is fantastic and the speakers are wonderful.

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